Kathmandu, June 23 -- The International Cricket Council has launched 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' for female cricketers.

"The guidelines provide players, Member Boards, medical professionals and coaches with a practical framework to support the return to cricket after pregnancy," the ICC said in a statement on Monday.

According to the ICC, female athletes often delay motherhood until after their sporting career.

But it is changing.

"With women's cricket becoming increasingly professional and career opportunities continuing to expand, more players are choosing to start families during their playing careers and return to elite cricket after giving birth," the ICC states. "These Guidelines have been formed to aid that proce...